Shock Absorber for Sports Faceguard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing headgear with shock absorbing faceguards is not robust, compact, unobtrusive, or adaptable enough to effectively reduce the risk of head and neck injuries from frontal impacts in sports, and lacks a protected mounting location for the shock absorber.
Innovation Solution
A shock absorber system comprising a support structure, guide rod, sliding member, and resilient member, such as a coil spring, that supports the faceguard relative to the head-engaging member, allowing for rectilinear movement to absorb impact energy and cushion blows, with the shock absorber being securely attached to either the faceguard or head-engaging member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid headgear with facemask is used, then structural strength and rigidity are maintained, but impact energy is not effectively absorbed and injury risk remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid, static headgear structure into a dynamic system with movable components. The faceguard is coupled to the headgear body through shock-absorbing mechanisms that allow controlled movement and deformation during impact, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically to external forces and dissipate impact energy through mechanical work rather than rigid resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates shock-absorbing elements and cushioning mechanisms in advance within the headgear structure. These pre-installed energy-dissipating components are positioned to intercept and absorb impact energy before it reaches the wearer's head, providing proactive protection rather than reactive response.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If shock absorbing elements are added to the faceguard, then impact energy absorption is improved, but the device becomes less robust and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the headgear into distinct functional modules: a headgear body, a faceguard assembly, and intermediate shock-absorbing coupling mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the faceguard maintains its protective function while the coupling mechanisms provide specialized shock absorption capabilities without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate shock-absorbing mechanisms as mediators between the faceguard and the headgear body. These intermediary components serve as dedicated energy-dissipating elements that simplify the overall design by concentrating the shock absorption function in specific, well-defined locations rather than distributing complexity throughout the entire structure.
3Volume of moving object
If the shock absorber is made compact and unobtrusive, then wearability and aesthetics are improved, but the energy absorption capacity may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes shock-absorbing materials and mechanisms with variable properties that can adapt their characteristics based on operating conditions. The shock-absorbing elements are designed to remain compact under normal conditions but can undergo controlled deformation or activate energy-dissipating mechanisms when subjected to impact forces, effectively changing their physical parameters in response to external stimuli.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The shock absorber effectively reduces the severity of impact by compressing the resilient member, thereby minimizing the transmission of impact energy to the wearer's head, providing enhanced protection and reducing the risk of injury.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient member is a coil spring that is provided on the guide rod between the sliding member and the second end portion of the guide rod
Implementation Method 2
the resilient member, in this case the coil spring, can absorb at least a portion of the impact energy of the object and cushion the blow to the faceguard
Data Source
AI summary
A shock absorber, for use with headgear having a faceguard, has a sliding member that does not extend beyond the support structure of the shock absorber in a way that would leave it vulnerable to damage. A headgear having a faceguard provides a protected mounting location for mounting a shock absorber for the faceguard.